Make sure you update to the latest version of DcUpdater if you have it installed. It includes fixes nessecary for PutAside to update.

Sometimes you'll want to put aside what you are working on to complete an important task. But the taskbar is such a mess!

So I created PutAside. Run the program and press Shift-ScrollLock and all open windows are hidden, you can then work on your tempory task. Cycle through the hidden windows with ScrollLock. Press Shift-ScrollLock again and all hidden windows are restored. You can exclude windows.

PutAside is a combination between alt-tab, Show Desktop, a boss-key, and virtual desktops. I've always found virtual desktops to be too complex: I can never remember what is on the other desktops. I never used bosskeys, and with show desktop/alt-tab the taskbar is so cluttered. PutAside is then a middle way to temporarily hide windows without making them inaccessible.

I'm assuming your .rar file includes a tiny .ahk file and a larger .exe file, as this is often the case when people post their utilities here.

All I care about is the 1-2k .ahk file, so if it was available separately, I'd download it without a second thought. With a slow dial-up (some of us are still stuck in the 20th century), I think twice about a 200k file.

Thanks for the feedback!AnyM,sorry I've sent you the source in a PM, you can also view it below.Grorgy,thanks for that. it definately shouldn't hide the cursor I guess you are not using windows XP like me? Could you tell me your configuration and if you have any mouse utilities running?Lanux128, I was thinking the app should really start without doing anything, with a key toggle and menu option one could enable/disable it. I'll get this done today. The exception list is a great idea and will definately get in too.

hi Justice,Ahhaaa, I usually have cursorxp running, (a cursor enhancement program if you dont know it). It works perfectly as soon as i disable it. , So thats good to know, i'll just make sure i disable it b4 running your handy little app when i need it , (I do run XP with SP2 and all the patches microsoft have sent out)

I don't want to release another half tested release, but additional testing would be welcome. Things like incompatible applications, missing windows in cycles etc. I am using PutAside all day now and if all is well I will release a compiled version at the end of the week:

ABOUT:Msgbox, PutAside %version% by justice`n`n`tPress SHIFT-SCROLLLOCK to hide and unhide all applications.`n`tPress SCROLLLOCK to cycle through hidden windows.`n`tExclude processes using the tray menu.return

I think it will be very useful for me as a teacher. I have a LCD projector connected to my computer, and I am often showing demonstrations, multimedia, etc. Sometimes the students get distracted by trying to guess what the programs in my taskbar do. This will let me hide whatever else I am working on, and just show them a clean desktop like they see on their screens.

At work I am currently using SweptAway ( found at lifehacker http://lifehacker.co...y-windows-255055.php ), a program that automatically minimizes all windows that are not used for a specific time eg. 5mins. I find your app quite interesting in that it uses the system tray and it's on demand. I will be using it at home since my distractions are far less and since it uses a unique shortcut ( I use a flood of shortcuts and this one is definitely not taken..). Good job on a great idea and a solid build ( no obvious hick ups, works as advertised).

NEW in PutAside May 2007:* Squashed a few remaining bugs in the cycling routine* Fixed the situation where the last restored window in some cases was not activated (not topmost)* Customizable Hotkeys via a nice preferences window

thanks justice for making the changes.. i don't mind PutAside hiding windows on start but only later that a toggle will be useful, saves me from closing and opening the program.. btw, where is the v1.0 download link?

Thanks all, I've now updated the release at the top. (and added your names to the about section).I actually stopped using the program on vista, but now back on XP am running it again.Hopefully I'll have some time soon to spend a few more hours on this program.So if any of you are still using it and have suggestions then feel free

release v1.11 - AUG 20 2007Updated PutAside to add support for mouser's DcUpdater tool. DcUpdater is a program for Microsoft Windows (95% of the code is cross platform and may be ported to linux/mac), that can check for and install updates for software.

PutAside now asks DcUpdater on every start to check for new versions. I might change how often and add options to disable checking if desired.

From the DcUpdater help file:

Quote

Nothing happens behind your back, and you can see exactly what files are being retrieved from where, including access to a complete activity log.

· Full control over checking and installing - you can do all installation manually if you prefer, or let the program do it.

· One program to check for updates for lots of software.

· Easily visit program websites, and get more information about each program.

I'm a bit late here but... I really like it Justice. Great Idea, and a much much better implementation than the other "minimizing to the taskbar" (or event to the tray) solutions. I like the fact that I can use alt tab to cycle through a few important windows, and still EASILY access the others use Shift+Scroll Lk to access the other secondary ones. Cool!

PS. I'm wondering if transforming it into a full fledged alt tab (errr...it would be a "shift+Scroll"!) would make it even more usefull : one would be able see all the icons/titles of the hidden windows at once, and cycling through them would be easier, maybe? instead of directly cycling through the opened windows one after the other....??? Dunno...